New schedule for iconic race meeting

In what is a highlight on the summer country racing calendar, the 43rd annual Coonawarra Vignerons Cup will return to the Penola Racecourse in the new year, with Teys premium brand 36° South Beef returning as presenting partners for the prestigious event.

Traditionally hosted on a Thursday, the 2025 36° South Coonawarra Vignerons Cup Day has been rescheduled to Friday 17 January, a move welcomed by the event organisers.

Coonawarra Vignerons Event and Marketing Officer Heidi Guyett is excited for the change of day which promises to appeal to a greater audience.

“The event has been well supported in past years on the Thursday, however we envisage that the Friday will open greater possibility for even more punters to attend, leading directly into the weekend” Guyett said.

“We’ve taken the opportunity with this change of day, to also to push back the Marquee start time allowing racegoers coming from outside of the immediate Penola/ Coonawarra area more time to get ready and travel to the event, whilst not missing out on the key elements that make the day so enjoyable” added Guyett.

The event was officially launched in the presence of member representatives of the Coonawarra Vignerons, together with patrons, event sponsors, partners and dignitaries, on Wednesday 30 October at Rymill Coonawarra with the unveiling of the cup trophy marking the return of the 2025 Race Day.

The launch celebrated the return of 36 Degrees South Beef as Presenting Partner for a sixth year alongside the 2025 Marquee event and race sponsors. Attendees enjoyed Rymill’s range of wines on the stunning winery lawns, paired with succulent 36° South BBQ steaks.

The unveiling of the Cup trophy was performed by Coonawarra Vignerons Executive Officer Hugh Koch, together with Martin Charrington, Training Manager for Teys Australia Naracoorte.

Mr Charrington praised the partnership, stating it was an honour for Teys’ flagship brand to partner with the Coonawarra Wine Region for this prestigious event.

“Like Coonawarra’s fine wines, our premium range of high-quality Australian beef is carefully crafted, delivering deep, rich, full flavoured beef every time. We’re passionate about our Southern Australian provenance and given we are perfectly located on the doorstep of the celebrated Coonawarra wine region, it makes absolute sense to continue this fabulous partnership” Mr Charrington said.

The much-anticipated Marquee event will offer a sit down luncheon featuring 36° South Beef, with 6 hour Coonawarra Wine package and an afternoon full of fun and entertainment including fashions in the marquee, imperial wine auctions, a super sweep, live music and thoroughbred racing action.

It is anticipated that over 500 guests will attend the exclusive Coonawarra Vignerons Marquee for a day of indulgence.

“Not only is it a great day out, there’s also the added perk for punters of rub shoulders with Coonawarra wine royalty – the winemakers, viticulturists and boutique winery owners. The event is a highlight for our entire wine community!” Mrs Guyett added.

The event wouldn’t be possible without the support of the events sponsors, who were acknowledged during the launch proceedings, by Coonawarra Vignerons Executive Officer Hugh Koch.

“We extend our thanks to our new and existing sponsors for their investment and involvement in this great event, Grand Events, Frost Boss, AP John Coopers, South West Freight, Bull Bros/ Hallet Concrete, Nurtrien Ag Solutions Penola, Elders Naracoorte, MCC Labels, BOC, Mulbarton Compost, Hansen Design and Print, Hahn Corporation, Wattle Range Council, and of course our presenting partners 36o South”.

“The synergy between premium beef, sourced from our region, paired with Coonawarra’s world class wines, lends itself to this magnificent partnership and highlights the outstanding local produce we have available,” Koch said.

Event organisers look forward to hosting a sell-out event with Early Bird tickets proving popular.

“Already we have seen a great response from ticket purchasers with the first allotment of public tickets sold in a pre-sale ticket offer. A further allocation has been released for sale, with more public category tickets up for grabs than ever before.”

Tickets are available for $250pp + Booking fee and can be purchased online at www.coonawarra.org